384 PICTURESQUE IMPROVEMENT. BOOK I. 



ideas, who can expend immense sums in deforming nature, 

 and effecting what every enlightened general observer must 

 despise^ and from which he himself can never experience last- 

 ing pleasure — gives a greater proof of his patience than of his 

 intellectual refinement, and may command attention by his 

 display of wealth ; but will never call forth admiration for his 

 judgment in matters of taste, or excite sympathy for his sense 

 of the real beauties of nature. If, however, there be any reader 

 of total indifference— or who is still infected with 



— that strange disease 



Which gives deformity the power to please ; 



to him I have nothing to say ; he can neither feel nor enjoy 

 nature, and arguments from her effects would be lost on him ; — 

 whatever is most general or fashionable will best suit his pur- 

 pose, and therefore let him not think of adopting any innova- 

 tions upon general practices. 



The remarks which I purpose offering on the subject of water 

 will be included under these heads :— 1. The situation ; 2. The 

 general form or shape ; 3. The margin and accompaniments ; 

 4. Cascades and waterfalls ; 5. The picturesque improvement 

 of artificial pieces of water already existing ; 6. The manage- 

 ment of natural pieces of water, when they come within the 

 province of picturesque improvement; and, 7- The expence 



